What to do and see in Barnard Castle, England: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

September 26, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

Barnard Castle is a market town in Teesdale, County Durham, England. It is named after the castle around which it grew up. It is the main settlement in the Teesdale area, and is a popular tourist destination. The Bowes Museum has the best collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North of England, housed in a "magnificent" 19th-century French-style chateau. Its most famous exhibit is the 18th-century Silver Swan automaton, though art includes work by Goya and El Greco.
Restaurants in Barnard Castle

1. Chocolate Fayre

10 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle DL12 8LZ England +44 1833 631307 [email protected] http://www.chocolatefayre.co.uk
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

Chocolate Fayre

We love chocolate. It's as simple as that! With over 90 different luxurious handmade chocolates to choose from as well as boxed chocolates, fudges, turkish delight, marzipans and chocolate coated confectionary, you will always find something to suit every taste at Chocolate Fayre. The first thing you will notice when you walk through the door is the heavenly smell of chocolate which lingers invitingly to tempt customers towards the chocolate displays. Open since 1985, Chocolate Fayre is a family run business with an impressive reputation amongst Barnard Castle locals, as well as visitors to the town and the surrounding area of Teesdale, County Durham, not only for its fabulous chocolate selection, but also for the wonderful range of ice creams available in the shop all year round, made just in the next county by our friends at English Lakes Ice Cream.

Reviewed By anitawI9762NF - Dalton-on-Tees, United Kingdom

Another lovely visit to Barnard Castle & my favourite chocolate shop. When we got there I had such a shock, the shop was empty!!!!! But I didn’t have to worry as they had moved to new premises . The new shop is bigger & with a coffee shop it’s gorgeous! Well worth a visit & the chocolates are fantastic !

2. The Sandra Parker Studio

34 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle DL12 8NA England +44 1833 630900 [email protected] http://www.sandraparker.co.uk/
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

The Sandra Parker Studio

A small rural art gallery/studio featuring original oil paintings and prints by Sandra Parker, Yorkshire Dales sheep painter. The gallery is situated in Barnard Castle, County Durham and features various fell bred sheep including Herdwicks, Swaledale, Rough Fell and Texel breeds. Full postal service available to send overseas.

Reviewed By johnsonslincs

Having relocated to Richmondshire we stayed at the Morritt Hotel for a few days whilst we waited for our furniture to arrive. The hotel has some of Sandra’s paintings on display in their restaurant and I bought a signed print of Waiting For Lunch as a moving in present to self. This Christmas Eve we got married and are looking to purchase another of Sandra’s lovely paintings. So much detail, definition and clarity.

3. The Bowes Museum

Newgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8NP England +44 1833 690606 [email protected] http://thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Excellent
64%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,727 reviews

The Bowes Museum

It’s been delighting visitors for more than 100 years, and now a £12m revamp has transformed The Bowes Museum into a must see 21st Century place to visit.A romantic history, stunning galleries, great location, fine dining, top class exhibitions, family fun events, a thriving toddler group – all these can be discovered inside this fabulous listed building which resembles a French chateau.And that’s not all. It’s surrounded by parkland, woodland walks, formal gardens and a newly opened children’s play area.No visit is complete without a browse in our shop, or a delicious snack in Café Bowes.If you’re looking for a great day out, make The Bowes Museum your destination of choice. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for up to the minute info on what’s on when.

Reviewed By amdgriggs - Sheffield, United Kingdom

Finally made it here, having mistakenly thought for years this was a little local history museum, and wow! Amazing and impressive French chateau style building, imposing setting, and a huge and fascinating collection. We quickly decided to concentrate on just a couple of areas to avoid being completely overwhelmed, so watched the unique silver swan demo (of course!) and then went round the absorbing section on the history of the museum followed by the delightful temporary exhibition on the Pre-Raphaelites. We also managed two visits to the excellent cafe (lovely homemade soup and cheese scones) - so much cosier than the cold and windy day outside. A great discovery for me - I’d be delighted to come for another visit to explore further.

4. Coach & Horses

22 Galgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8BH England +44 1833 908179 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/coachandhorsesbarney
Excellent
80%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
10%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Coach & Horses

friendly pub/b&b within the heart of the busy town. great rooms , great atmosphere , great staff and great drinks promotions. UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT FROM NOVEMBER THE 6TH 2017

Reviewed By JulieAnn333 - Durham, United Kingdom

Visiting the town and called in for lunch. Under new management and was the landlords first day doing lunches. The pub is clean warm and friendly. The landlord made us very welcome. The carvery was so tasty we really enjoyed it. Highly recommended a visit for sunday lunch. Will certainly visit again

5. Cross Lanes Organic Farm

Cross Lanes, Barnard Castle DL12 9RT England +44 1833 630619 [email protected] http://www.crosslanesorganics.co.uk
Excellent
58%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 250 reviews

Cross Lanes Organic Farm

A green venture working towards an eco friendly way of living with organic, local and green thinking at the heart of everything we do. Bread and pizzas are made daily in our wood fired oven, and we serve simple rustic dishes made with local, organic and seasonal ingredients, all cooked fresh to order using traditional cooking methods. Supporting local producers the farmshop has a traditional butchers counter, delicatessen, bakery and general store with organic fruit, veg, wines, beers and baby products. All of our bread, cakes, patisserie and even chocolates are organic and are hand made in our own kitchens.

Reviewed By give_me_cake_please

I have been visiting Cross Lanes for years. I live locally and have called in from time to time for coffee or brunch or to pick up a few things from the shop, I've been to their special events and Bonfire Night festivities and I have to say - it just gets better and better. The food is delicious, the staff are lovely and they have been incredible during lockdown, offering ready to collect shopping orders and ready made Sunday roasts. We stopped by for takeaway pizza last week and we all agreed it was the best pizza we'd had in years (especially the rosemary and goat's cheese mmmmmmmm). Great people, great food and just well worth it.

6. The Witham

3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle DL12 8LY England +44 1833 631107 [email protected] http://www.thewitham.org.uk
Excellent
59%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

The Witham

The Witham is a vibrant Arts Centre for cultural, community and commercial use, offering a 240 seat performance venue, a gallery space, function and meeting rooms, a cafe bar, a visitor information point and studio space for creative businesses.

Reviewed By shirleyj432

Great place for coffee and scones/cake, or light lunches. Good choice of basic food, well presented, friendly staff.

7. The Crown at Mickleton

Mickleton, Barnard Castle DL12 0JZ England +44 1833 640381 http://Www.thecrownatmickleton.co.uk
Excellent
71%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

The Crown at Mickleton

Reviewed By M1864AZianp

Arrived on the Friday on pitch 5.Pitch sizes are excellent! Water on each pitch. Pub was still closed due to covid 19!but we had pre ordered the tapas which we thought was good value for 2 people. Views from the site are lovely and there are lots of good walking routes from the site too. Overall we thought it was an excellent site and would definitely use it again and hopefully next time the pub will be open.

8. The Cricketers Arms

48-50 Galgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8BH England +44 1833 908256 http://www.facebook.com/TheCricketersarmsbarnardcastle
Excellent
60%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

The Cricketers Arms

Traditional High Street Pub with a great selection of Real ales, Craft beer, wine and spirits not to mention our fantastic homemade grub.

9. St Mary's Church

Newgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8NQ England +44 1833 637018 http://www.stmarysbarnardcastle.org.uk
Excellent
52%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

St Mary's Church

Reviewed By douglashraefn

Wonderful and peaceful medieval church. Purchased a DVD about the history of the church and a couple of postcards which acted as lovely mementos. The medieval carved tomb stone inside of the church was also great to see!

10. Firkin Alley

2 Bakery Mews Rear of 20 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle DL12 8LZ England +44 7825 727660
Excellent
88%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Firkin Alley

Reviewed By jandptravellers

What a find ! This is a lovely welcoming micro pub down a little alley called firkin alley off the Main Street. The owner is really welcoming and it’s a friendly atmosphere with lots of people frequenting it . We loved it ! Will be coming again when in the area ! Thankyou !

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